I have not grown them from seed, but I do know that it takes a long time after the flower is dead for the seeds to show up. I have propagated from cuttings which is real easy. All I do is cut right under a leaf, take off the leaves, just leaving a few at the top, stick it in soil in a pot and keep watered for a while. Originally I keep it in the shade, but when I can pull on the stalk and it doesn't easily move, then I start adding sun to its routine. I plant them once they have been in full sun for a while.

David, these three and other palms go into a detached, two car, loft garage from December 1 to March 1. Definitely, NOT a palm for indoors, too dangerous. I had to saw off the tap root on these as they have a tendency to find cracks in the blacktop and grow into the ground over the course of the growing season. Remember, these guys grow in very arid regions so roots have a tendency to go deep seeking out underground water/aquifers (so deep pots are preferred). Big misconception is that date species from arid regions don't like much water, NOT TRUE. And some date species come out of tropical regions with monsoonal rains. Phoenix is a nice genus of palms but most are not for the house, with the exception of the Pygmy Dates (Phoenix roebellini).

I bought them and my husband kindly set them up for me! What is the best light pattern to use, so many options! Currently I placed about a third of my Hoyas on the shelf, mostly rooted cuttings and smaller ones. I am going to buy some clamp on lamps for the very top and if I see the results I'm hoping for, a few more strips for the Etagere. Thank you Richard!

I can't imagine a summer without my towering bananas. Bananas are ADDICTING! I really like the dwarfs as they sucker so readily..., constantly. I also grow Orinoco, and dwarf Brazilians, and Ensete. They grow super fast, and with your long summer days they should do fine, but they do like very warm nights too (70's +). You can overwinter the corms of the plants in the basement after the season. (I try to maintain mine in foliage but putting them into a frost free but chilly/cold garage for the Winter.) You do mean for growing outside? If indoors, growth will not compare to life outdoors. Musa basjoo is cold hardier and will even overwinter in the ground to Zone 7, but for your needs, the foliage is also more tolerant of cool during the growing season and will grow while more tropical species will sulk without summer HEAT and HUMIDITY.